Cell
epithelial cells
[ ep-uh-thee-lee-uhl, -al sels ]
Subclass of:
Cells
Definitions related to epithelial cells:
  • Any of the cells of the epithelium, which covers the body and lines its cavities and glands.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body by forming cellular layers (EPITHELIUM) or masses. Epithelial cells lining the SKIN; the MOUTH; the NOSE; and the ANAL CANAL derive from ectoderm; those lining the RESPIRATORY SYSTEM and the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM derive from endoderm; others (CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM and LYMPHATIC SYSTEM) derive from mesoderm. Epithelial cells can be classified mainly by cell shape and function into squamous, glandular and transitional epithelial cells.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Cells which line organs and structures in the body, protecting or enclosing them.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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